The Nutt House goes to Vegas

Okay, so I’ve fallen behind on my entries the past couple of weeks and it’s been weighing on me since then.  It’s been strange, the last couple of weeks have been good weeks, I feel like I’ve gotten tons accomplished, had quality time with the kiddos, crossed many an items from my never ending daily to do list, but after getting back from a quick family vacation late on Sunday evening a couple weeks ago and not staying up to catch up on the experience I haven’t been able to get caught back up.  I’ve sat down at the computer, watched the cursor icon winkingly taunt me words escaped my mind to describe our vacation or the week we had enjoyed.  Now I sit here, Brent at work, kiddos both down for a rare nap, bathrooms waiting to be cleaned and in a last ditch effort to avoid cleaning the bathrooms I thought I’d at least start typing and see what happens.  Chances are, someone will wake up and this will still set, not completed, probably not started and the bathrooms will remain uncleaned, but here’s to an old college try.

So, two weeks ago, we cashed in on a Christmas present from my sister, Allison – a weekend away for the Nutt House.  We were given a couple of options and looking at where we haven’t gone and which offered new experiences for the Nutt House we opted for a weekend away in Las Vegas.  Our little Nutts had been eagerly anticipating the day we would leave.  There was the promise of the unknown Las Vegas, which as far as they knew was where Mickey Mouse lived or was located in the middle of a forest, they really had no clue what Las Vegas was or is, but they were excited to go.  They say the journey is half the fun, right?  That was definitely what happened for us.  Our vacation provided the first plane ride for Kaden and the first plane ride Kara would be old enough to remember. 

Already for their adventure

After arriving at the airport with over 2 hours before our flight took off the Las Vegas vacation adventures began.  First everyone went through security, with questions abounding as to what was happening and why from both little Nutts we successfully made our way through and entered the inner sanctum of the airport, an area the kiddos have seen as they’ve watched loved ones come and go but had not previously been in themselves.  Both little ones observed their surroundings with wide eyes, taking in the fact there were shops that sold things, like chocolates! Restaurants were near us, and the planes, so very close by!!  After securing seats looking out at the plane by our gate the kiddos finally took a breath and started to relax.  After some plane watching and a quick bite to eat the never ending question of “when will it be our turn?” was answered when our plane started boarding.  To optimize the experience both kiddos were given window seats with Brent next to Kara and I next to Kaden on the flight to Vegas with the partnerships swapped for the ride home.  Speaking about Kaden’s experience – he was anxious to see all he could outside of his window, ask what all the buttons surrounding him did, when could he put down his tray, and when would his drink would be served.  There was so much for Kaden to see and ask that he did not seek out an activity until the plane was already descending into Las Vegas.  My understanding was Kara enjoyed the trip as well, though she says she was a bit scared at first, thankfully she had Grumpy Bear with her who keeps all things safe and secure.

All ready to go

Kaden's view from the plane

She studied the safety card as if her life depended on it

Everything in life is better with Grumpy Bear

After arriving in Las Vegas we were greeted by Aunt Allison who then drove us up and down the strip to witness the lights of Vegas for a true Las Vegas introduction.  Once that was done we checked in and settled into our room at the New York New York hotel.  Poor Kaden, seeing all of the slot machines, he was confused and disappointed the entire time in Las Vegas that he could not play the games as they looked like fun video games to our sweet three-year-old boy.  Fortunately for him that first night there Aunt Allison took him and Kara across to Excalibur for some fun in the arcades while Brent and I hiked our way down to Caesars Palace to relish a date night and treat ourselves to dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill.  We wanted to try out one of Ramsay’s Las Vegas restaurants and though we went into the vacation thinking we’d try out his Burgr restaurant, the fish and chips from his pub sounded to good not to try out.  And boy, oh boy, am I ever glad we did!!!!  The atmosphere was nice and relaxed, the food AMAZING, and the company… exquisite!  Oh, was I ever stuffed after our very late dinner.  Sadly, my feet were not ready for the 4 mile walk to the restaurant and the flip flops I was wearing were not going to let me walk back so a cab ride back was in order.  The restaurant though, so good, I would definitely go back on future trips to Vegas.  *Oh!  And while we were there, we saw Rod Stewart come on over after finishing up a show there at Caesars Palace.  While we could have played the tourist card and went over to get his autograph we (okay I) tried to play coy and act like it was no big deal and went on our merry way after we were done with dinner.

Handsome date and a delicious appetizer

Crazy good Fish & Chips and Shepard's Pie

Dessert!

**This part of the update comes days later, because yes.  I am that much of a slacker.  L

Saturday morning after sleeping in (thanks to the blackout curtains in the hotel) the Nutt House started our day with a wonderful buffet breakfast at the Paris Resort.  The kids were enamored with the variety of offerings available at the buffet but thanks to the fact we were in the Paris, everyone quickly started the meal off with a variety of crepes before heading off to try the variety of other breakfast options.  As we were wrapping up our breakfast we couldn’t help but visit the dessert area where Kara and I chose to pick up almost one of everything so we could sample just about everything they had to offer.  As we were sampling our wares it became quickly evident that Kara is a lover of cheesecake while Kaden thought the macaroon pops were the bees knees.

Because who doesn't finish up breakfast with dessert?!?

After finishing our delectable breakfast, we stayed in the Paris to visit the Eiffel Tour.  While the Las Vegas version of the Eiffel Tour is just half the size of the real thing it still offered amazing views of the city and a chance for the little Nutts to use the disposable cameras we had purchased for them to use on the vacation.  Kaden quickly ran around the tower taking pictures of all things “cool” while Kara showed a little more reserve about what she was taking pictures of.  Alas, their cameras aren’t quite full so we haven’t had them developed yet but I am anxious to see what was picture worthy and in their line of sight.

Viewing the city

My favorite group of Nutts

After finishing up at the Eiffel Tower we continued our first full day of tourists of Las Vegas with a trip to Hershey World where we sampled chocolates, viewed the goods, took advantage of a couple photo ops and of course bought souvenirs to help us remember our trip.  The Statue of Liberty statues made of chocolate and jelly beans were amazing, though in my opinion, it was the version made of red vines that was the best. 

Her expression!

Nothing says family like chocolate!

Her Hershey's charm bracelet

His candy filled car

Our next tourist stop was to the Coke store where we sampled Coca-cola drinks and floats from around the world.  While there were many a unique flavor Kaden daringly tried all without blinking as much as an eye while the rest of us Nutts were a little more reserved about what we tried, though the tray with the variety of floats was the most loved by our family. 

So much soda!

 After we left the Coke store it was time to bid good-bye to Aunt Allison who had made the whole trip and experience possible.  We truly do love and miss her as we do the rest of our family.  For the little Nutts the goodbye was relatively painless as we moved to the M&M store for our next adventure and the bright colors, tchotchkes, and candies lured them in.  We started our trip to the M&M store with the short 3D movie they have available to view.  After the movie we perused the store where we journeyed upstairs to check out the M&M sponsored Nascar car where we were also treated to Blue, one of the M&M’s coming out for meet and greets.  After looking around each of the four floors the little Nutts sought out the trinkets they couldn’t live without and we were ready for the next portion of our Vegas adventure.  We had to split up for a few minutes which led to the little Nutts and I walking down the strip by ourselves.  I have to say this was the low point of the entire trip for me, while the entire vacation showed the fun and family friendly aspects of Las Vegas this 30-minute walk showed a sliver of the non-family friendly aspects of the city.  The things I saw that appeared normal, for the middle of the day, on a street that people of all ages travel just made me shake my head in sadness at what is becoming of our world.  Using my parental skills as best as I could I shielded both of our little Nutts from what I saw around me, though, I did find myself humbled when Kara asked if she could have her picture taken with two women dressed up as show girls, because she liked the colors of their dance costumes.  In that brief moment, I realized that though we were surrounded by so many things I didn’t want my kiddos to see, what they did see what the good in everything around them whereas, I naturally saw the bad.  This quick lesson of humility and in not judging the people and surroundings around me was one that quickly became embedded in my head and heart.

The last leg of our adventure for Saturday found us over at the Excalibur for the Tournament of Kings dinner.  Before we went on vacation we took a family vote on the one big thing we’d do while in Las Vegas.  Where there are not many options that accommodate a 3-year-old our choices were narrowed down quickly to a couple shows and the dinner.  With both little Nutts voting for Tournament of Kings that became the choice of our family.  Sadly, there are no pictures as picture taking is not allowed inside the dinner area.  I will say this though…  The entire family got in on cheering for our knight… the Czar of Russia, with many a huzzah and cheer shouted in his honor while many a boo was shouted with equal zealous for all other knights, especially the dragon knight.  The kiddos weren’t sure what to think of the dinner at first where there was no silverware given to them and they are used to their mom constantly reminding them to use their silverware while they eat.  The cups of tomato soup were delicious and the chickens roasted almost perfectly with the apple turnovers finishing off the dinner perfectly.  Watching how the entire Nutthouse got in on the energy and atmosphere of the Tournament of Kings made it easy to realize we made the right choice in family entertainment for the night. 

The best we could do at getting a picture to remember
our dinner, was this picture of the Nutthouse and a portion
of the Excalibur

Sunday morning, we awoke and had a slower morning getting ready.  After checking out of the hotel and dropping our bags off at the Bell Hop desk we headed over to the café located in the New York New York for breakfast.  The food tasted great with my croissant French toast being a delicious first for me and the corned beef and hash hitting the spot for Brent while smiley faced pancakes filled the bellies of the little Nutts.  After enjoying our food and the amazing wall art depicting a 3D map of the USA with key elements of each state highlighted we were ready to start the adventures of our last day in Las Vegas.

Simply amazing

With full bellies we headed out for the day, and after walking miles and miles we opted to try out the tram system to start off our day which though it did require some walking it was a fraction of what it would have been to get us to our first destination for the day.    Our Sunday morning started at the Bellagio where we started with a stop at the chocolate fountain because if you are in Las Vegas and you happen to enjoy chocolate you should definitely see, and since that describes at least half out f the Nutt House it was a must for us.  Fortunately, our bellies were so full from breakfast that we walked away without feeling like we needed to try all the sweets that were available and settled for a chocolate bar replica of the fountain that we still have and will enjoy as a family at an undetermined date. 

Picture taken by Kaden

Picture taken by Kara

After our chocolate fountain stop off we traveled a bit further in the Bellagio where we adored the breathtaking gardens they have there.  The flowers and scenes created were amazing and provided ample backdrops for pictures and gorgeous pictures on their own.  This area helped to present a moment to reflect on all the beauty that Heavenly Father has surrounded us with, and considering it was Sunday I was grateful for the moments of reflection I was able to enjoy while here.

She was such a dainty little girl in the garden,
loving all the flowers

This little ham wanted his picture taken at every possible area

Love, love, love calla lilies!!!

Love this lil' gal

After finishing up at the Bellagio we trekked down to the Mirage for the final Vegas experience we had planned for our vacation, a trip inside Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden.  Oh my goodness!!!!  How did I not know about this place before this trip????   This quickly became the highlight of our Las Vegas trip for Kara as she watched the dolphins swim and play in their pools.  I sincerely believe if this was all we did in Las Vegas she would have been fully satisfied.  We watched the male dolphins from the top of their pools then went to the underwater viewing area of their pools before heading over to the female dolphins’ pool where we took a quick glace before heading further into the garden where we enjoyed white tigers, lions, a stunning black panther and other animals in their habitats.  What an area and what a find!  We slowly meandered around the different animals, enjoying the animals that were awake and attentive, especially the younger tiger cubs who had a trainer working with them which allowed us to see them in a very playful state.  After finishing up with the four legged animals we headed back out toward the female dolphin area where we arrived just in time for a trainer session.  Kara quickly approached one of the trainers about helping out.  However, where this was something we did not realize would be such a hit and given the ages of our little Nutts, we did not purchase any of the extra add-on packages that would have allowed for Kara to be an assistant.  Luckily the trainer Kara spoke to did allow for her and Kaden to follow her around and assist with hand gestures and the such as she worked with the different dolphins.  Truly, Kara would have stayed right there all day if allowed, but alas, the time came when we needed to head back to gather our belongings and head toward the airport.  Before doing so, however, in the last gift shop of our trip along with Kara and Kaden selecting their trinkets we observed an artist creating artwork out of names and had both Kara and Kaden’s names done for one final souvenir of our fantastic family trip to Las Vegas.

DOLPHINS!!!

She loves dolphins almost as much as Aunt Alicia

"Rooooaaaarrr!"

Playful tiger cubs

I love this sign!  Totally inspiring me to do better
at planting and maintaining a garden

Dolphin painting!

Two active and attentive little dolphin trainers

Attentively watching their names being made

Once we arrived at the airport we once again worked our way through security and into the terminal where we found we had a bit to wait before our plane took off, so to help kill time we discovered a kid’s play area where the little Nutts quickly went to work using up what was left of their energy through play so they were ready for one final plane ride back home. 

The view from the control tower

Taking their passenger to the Caribbean and back

Viva Las Vegas!

With tired kids in tow we boarded our plane fight headed to Phoenix where an exhausted Kara broke into tears explaining she wasn’t ready to leave Las Vegas yet.  While Kaden was able to quickly fall asleep on the plane ride home so his nap was long enough for the fussies to have left his body until we were safe and sound back in our own car on the way back home Kara wasn’t as lucky as she fell asleep not too long before we landed so she was enveloped with fussiness until she was comfortably able to once again fall asleep in the car and be carried into the house and into her warm and waiting bed.   I am so thankful for the gift we had for this trip, it was so much fun and created so many memories and allowed for so many firsts for the Nutthouse.  Such a fantastic weekend!

 

"I'm not ready to leave Las Vegas and I'm not tired!"

Though the weekend was the highlight of our week, we did engage in a few activities before our trip.  When walking Kara up to school one day, Kaden sported his brave knight attire and protected me from dragons, evil knights and even a whale on our way home.  Oh!  How I love my brave little knight!!!

Sir Kaden the Brave

Grammy and Papa were in town and we had a brief moment with them and Kara and Kaden ate up the time they had with their grandparents playing and interacting with them as much as possible. 

 

These two little Nutts love their Grammy and Papa

Family means so much to the Nutt House and we are eternally grateful for all those we call family and friends.  We love our Nutty lives and all our Heavenly Father has blessed us with!